AncientWanderer

From observation, more than you would expect. Many adults — not just added children. And it does create crowded public areas, because people doing triple or quad obviously don’t want to spend a lot of time in the cabin. There is a big promotion going on — probably why the PCCs have their orders. 378 cruises — 133 of them 17 days or longer.

We've been letting itinerary changes bounce off of us -- which seem to be much more frequent lately. Pretty frustrating that the one thing we thought we might be able to count on -- our choice of accommodation -- is also moving toward, "You pays yer money; you takes yer chances." Somebody mentioned the possibility of being upgraded if you're moved. Lots of us are familiar with the deck plans, and one man's upgrade is another man's "Nope." And who wants to be upgraded on a jam-packed ship anyhow? This is just very bad news. Worse the more I think about it. The poor overworked crew.

I went back and looked at our bookings. Most are in triples. We are booked on the 35-day South Pacific in 2026. That one is a triple. I can't imagine booking this early, paying the current high cruise prices, and then being moved to HAL's choice. Lots to think about.

Yes, you're definitely right about the quads. That has always been the case with those. But I have to believe that the strategy is more aggressive than just that, if so many PCCs are talking about it. Whatever. As for us -- we'll have our eye on the marketing campaigns.

This really is interesting. Practically every cabin is a triple because there's a sofa that can convert. The room is really designed for two, but it's sorta, "Knock yourself out if you want to jam another person in there." I guess my big concern -- more than finding an available cabin -- is that along with this will come all the special deals for 3rd and 4th guests in the stateroom. We've experienced that on some summer cruises, and the ships feel really crowded. Not pleasant. If that's to become the norm all the time, we'll probably rethink how we travel.

Good morning. Leisurely good morning here. I'm happy for Day of Happiness because my hair stylist called to reschedule my appointment. Just didn't feel like it this morning. I'm another Libra. Quite a few of us here. I think my Pocket might need a Yellow Vest. I've never heard of that before. He barks at all the dogs -- even those much larger than his 7 lbs. Anything from Benjamin Franklin is usually spot on. All in all, very nice collection of days. Yesterday while looking at bathroom showrooms, we saw the cutest doggie care room. It was about the size of a laundry room and had a tiled shower, shelves for supplies. Absolutely darling! Prayers are with all those having difficulties. Today especially @kazu Jacqui and she awaits test results and for @bennybear Brenda's DS as he defends his Masters today. I think I'll spend the day putting out some Easter stuff. I'm designated to have the holiday dinner here, and move slowly, so will start thinking about that. There will be eight adults and four children under five years old. Hectic. Have a great day everyone! 🌷 🌷 🌷 Maxine

if your spouse’s SS benefit is greater than yours, better talk to someone expert about what happens if you start your own benefits early. I think there are workarounds, but you could be locked into your lower benefit and be unable to step up to the higher amount, should your spouse die before you. (This is fresh in my mind, because this is my Full Retirement year, 66 1/2. DH gets much more than me, so I waited to Full Retirement, just to be cautious about it.) Rules change all the time, but that’s been the general rule. Of course, Disability is entirely different. Wishing you all the best sorting through this, and if I repeated what somebody else already said, I apologize for that. I just felt it to be important.

Good morning all. We have been busy with estimators for the remodeling of our two bathrooms. We're going with the company I really like who also did our kitchen some years ago. So today it's off to the showrooms to get design ideas. That's the fun part. We all read to the four grandchildren. They all love their books. So hats off to Read to Me Day. And to all the wonderful nurses. I've never met one I didn't admire. Our DSIL practices international business law, so with him in mind, I'll also tip the hat to his clients. Chicken Cacciatore has wonderful flavor. Even sounds good with polenta. Those Long Island Iced Teas were a favorite in college. I was tougher back then. Would love to go to Sri Lanka -- expect we will someday. Oscar Wilde...I don't want to be stabbed anywhere. @grapau27, Graham, your latest update on Sarah's mom actually made my stomach feel icky. Keep Sarah close. This has to really affect her physically. It would anyone. What a sad, sad situation. @lazey1 Jane, don't overlook the baked potatoes at lunch. The salad with oil & vinegar you mentioned works really well for low-salt. Sometimes that chopped up potato gives the meal a bit more substance. (They may salt the skin, not sure.) Many thanks to our FR&D Team -- and to all who contribute. Wishing everyone a great day -- even those who just stop by to visit, but never post. ❤️

@Sharon in AZ, I’ll add to @bennybear’s great advice. Your story about the heavy walker really hit home. Like you, I was very close with my mom — probably “the favorite.” When it came to her end of life care I, like you, had physical limitations on how much I could do. It was essential that I set my own boundaries. That created conflict, and we weren’t as close in the end as we had always been. Mom was just too unrealistic by that stage to understand limitations. it was a sad end of days for us. Hopefully will go smoother for you. As they say, the best you can do is all you can do. Like @bennybearsaid, go with the flow. There’s really no way to make the situation perfect. Now I never even think about this difficult period when thinking of my mom. I just remember all the good stuff, when she was her true self. Hang in there, Sharon.

Ha ha! There it is...Act Happy Day! We managed to through all of Covid! 💪

Well, that's right, kazu. It sure is a tradition of vessels, from a showboat on the Mississippi and on to the big ships, that everyone pitches in because of the space constraints. People forget that sometimes. (Although I'm not questioning that cutbacks are taking place. They always are messing with this or that -- seeing what they can get away with. Business as usual.)

Happy 4th Anniversary to the Daily! 🥂 Bon Voyage to @Suslor @RedneckBob and @Crazy For Cats And woohoo on @Nickelpenny's Very Memorable Cruise! Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

We like the new tea service with the stands a lot better than the old way where the waiters came around with trays offering goodies. It was distracting waiting around for the trays. And the baked goods seem to be better than before as well. We observed that many people request the number of stands they want for their party size and the waiters happily oblige. The trick is to ask right away so you're all squared away to enjoy your tea experience. I really enjoy the tea time now, whereas before I seriously did not. Have a good time @happytotravel!

Good morning and thank you for the Fleet Report. Along with our collection of days, it's also World Sleep Day, which I'll need later on as I'm up so early here (4:30 a.m.) Can't sleep because we got the email last evening at 30 days that six of our port days in Japan are switched around, so all plans for those ports have evaporated. Seems to be a common scenario these days. Of course, over dinner DH and I were talking about what a great cruise we had planned, with all ducks in a row. Forgot to knock on wood. I have a quiet but very nice day planned today -- a date with DGD to come over for lunch and to see my collection of Disney pins. Thanks everyone for all the contributions to the Fleet Report and Daily. Have a great day, everyone. ❤️

I've seen people with many different kinds of infirmities manage the Lido, with the help of the kind crew members. And that is my only comment.

We've dined in MDR about 25 percent of the time on boarding day. It's usually really empty. The good news is I can't remember the last time we've experienced an overcrowded, chaotic Lido on boarding day. People come onboard at different times, are busy looking around the ship, checking things out. And there's always something special at the carving station. With MDR closed, they might make the buffet even more special on boarding day. For us, not the end of the world.

Such a bittersweet end to your trip, Pennie. Been thinking about you. While DMIL was traveling, her sweet doggie died while at the sitter. She didn't find out until she got home. Modern communication is a mixed blessing, I guess. Just wanted to wish you safe travels home and say how kind it is of you to think of the young man and bring him something back. He must feel terrible, too.

@bennybearBrenda, wishing you a Happy Birthday! 💐 Also wishing happy birthday to @Mr. Boston's DM and @StLouisCruisersDB. 🎂

That’s fabulous news. Congratulations!

Sharon, hooray that the project is done and you’re happy with it. I bet Blue will be glad when the workmen aren’t around anymore. I’ve.been following along about your mom. Things are kind of the same right now with DH’s mom. She is 91 now and very confused. It’s sad. We are trying to take her on more outings to clear her head — meals out and visits to grandkids. Not sure what else can be done. Sorry your beautiful mom is slipping. Debbie, I love this. Bet it sure does resonate with many here. 🤗

Before it gets too much later UK time, I want to wish a very happy birthday to @grapau27Graham's DW Pauline. 💐 The birthday luncheon looked lovely. We have an estimator coming soon to look at remodeling two bathrooms. Long overdue. (Don't you just dread the upheaval?!!) I'll come back and read the rest of the Daily later. Wishing all a very pleasant day.

@Quartzsite CruiserLenda , did you have that nice ribeye? Sounded good!

Happy Birthday @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, @Overhead Fred's Mitzi, and @VMax1700's Ellen !! 🎂 🎁 🎊 😍 🎈 ⭐

We just recently encountered this situation for the first time -- and it frustrated me enough that we canceled our booking. It's really counterintuitive because for a long cruise, accommodations are more important. What I might tolerate for two weeks, I might not tolerate for a month. It's just something to be aware of, and if we need to do separate bookings to get accommodations we want, we will do that.

Oh, how disappointing and stressful. I know we're all sending positive thoughts and prayers that things sort themselves out in a positive way.